Dubai Police summit: AI can help close surveillance gaps, detect threats in real time

Artificial intelligence is changing the way criminals operate, prompting police forces worldwide to rethink how they detect threats, share intelligence and respond to increasingly sophisticated forms of crime.

From cyberattacks and financial crime to cross-border criminal networks, law enforcement agencies are increasingly relying on advanced technology and international cooperation to keep pace with evolving threats.

These issues were discussed during a World Police Summit dialogue hosted by Dubai Police on Friday, bringing together international police leaders and technology specialists.

Participants included Col. Dr Rashid Hamdan Al Ghafri, Deputy Director General of the General Department of Forensic Science and Criminology; Russell Hammad, Founder and CEO of Zenith Group; and Dr Adel Alsharji, Chief Operating Officer of Presight.

World Police Summit Focuses on Emerging Security Threats

The summit brings together more than 150 exhibitors and sponsors, along with over 220 speakers and experts, to examine 14 topics shaped by the challenges facing police forces around the world.

The event provides law enforcement agencies, government representatives and technology specialists with a platform to exchange expertise and explore solutions to emerging security challenges.

A key message from the dialogue was that no single country can address increasingly complex criminal threats alone.

Stronger cooperation between police forces, governments, technology companies and academic institutions will be necessary to close operational gaps and respond to threats that cross national borders.

Why International Cooperation Matters

Col. Dr Rashid Hamdan Al Ghafri highlighted the importance of bringing police leaders from different countries and sectors together to address shared security challenges.

International collaboration allows agencies to exchange operational experience, share best practices and develop solutions that can be adapted to different policing environments.

As criminals increasingly use digital platforms and international networks, connecting information held by different agencies can help investigators identify patterns and establish links between seemingly unrelated incidents.

However, cooperation must go beyond discussions. Police forces also need to integrate their systems, share relevant intelligence and coordinate responses so that technological developments lead to practical security outcomes.

Connecting Physical Security With Cyber Intelligence

The panel also examined the growing convergence between physical security and cybersecurity.

Integrated surveillance systems and intelligence platforms can help police identify threats more effectively by bringing information from multiple sources together.

Russell Hammad discussed the challenges of maintaining security across large geographical areas, particularly in locations where conventional surveillance and communications infrastructure does not provide complete coverage.

While urban areas may have extensive surveillance networks, remote locations can create significant operational challenges and coverage gaps.

Intelligent Surveillance Can Strengthen Police Operations

Intelligent surveillance systems and connected patrol vehicles could help address some of these challenges by allowing officers to identify people, vehicles and locations while linking information from different sources.

These capabilities can help investigators develop a more complete picture of potential threats and identify relationships between individuals, vehicles and incidents that might otherwise remain undetected.

The goal is to move away from isolated systems towards a connected security environment where information can be analyzed and acted upon in real time.

The dialogue also emphasized the importance of ensuring that intelligence reaches personnel on the ground. Combining physical surveillance with digital intelligence can help officers make better-informed decisions during developing situations.

AI Creates New Opportunities and Responsibilities

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into policing, experts stressed that investment should not focus solely on acquiring new technology.

Police agencies also need the skills, infrastructure and organizational capabilities required to use AI effectively while maintaining accountability and appropriate human oversight.

Dr Adel Alsharji participated in the discussion on the challenges facing law enforcement as technological capabilities continue to advance.

AI-powered systems can process large volumes of information, identify patterns and support intelligence analysis. However, their effectiveness depends on the quality of the underlying data, system reliability and officers' ability to interpret the information produced.

The rapid pace of technological development presents another challenge for law enforcement agencies.

Police forces need to continually assess their capabilities, train personnel and adapt to new methods being used by criminals.

New technologies must also be integrated into existing operations and aligned with practical security requirements.

Speakers emphasized that responsible technology adoption is essential, with accountability and human oversight remaining central to the use of AI in policing.

Real-Time Intelligence Sharing Is a Priority

When discussing which operational gaps should receive the greatest attention, panelists repeatedly highlighted system integration and information sharing.

Connecting systems and improving cooperation between agencies can allow law enforcement to make better use of available resources, strengthen coordination and respond more efficiently to cross-border crime.

Rapid intelligence sharing becomes particularly important when threats develop across multiple jurisdictions or involve different forms of criminal activity.

Technology must ultimately provide practical value by ensuring that decision-makers and officers can access relevant information when they need it.

Fragmented systems and disconnected responses can limit the effectiveness of advanced security technologies, even when individual agencies have made significant investments.

The discussion concluded that governments, police forces and technology partners need to operate as an integrated ecosystem, combining intelligence, expertise and operational capabilities to address emerging threats.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the security landscape, the future of policing will depend not only on technological innovation but also on the ability of agencies to cooperate, share information responsibly and turn intelligence into timely action.